Investigative and extrapolative role of microRNAs' genetic expression in breast carcinoma

MicroRNAs [miRs] are non-coding ribonucleic acids consisting of about 18-22 nucleotide bases. Expression of several miRs can be altered in breast carcinomas in comparison to healthy breast tissue, or between various subtypes of breast cancer. These are regulated as either oncogene or tumor suppressors, this shows that their expression is misrepresented in cancers. Some miRs are specifically associated with breast cancer and are affected by cancer-restricted signaling pathways e.g. downstream of estrogen receptor-alpha or HER2/neu.Connection of multiple miRs with breast cancer, and the fact that most of these post transcript structures may transform complex functional networks of mRNAs, identify them as potential investigative, extrapolative and predictive tumor markers, as well as possible targets for treatment. Investigative tools that are currently available are RNA-based molecular techniques. An additional advantage related to miRs in oncology is that they are remarkably stable and are notably detectable in serum and plasma.Literature search was performed by using database of PubMed, the keywords used were microRNA [52 searches] AND breast cancer [169 searches]. PERN was used by database of Bahria University, this included literature and articles from international sources; 2 articles from Pakistan on this topic were consulted [one in international journal and one in a local journal]. Of these, 49 articles were shortlisted which discussed relation of microRNA genetic expression in breast cancer. These articles were consulted for this review

Melatonin preserves the morphology of parotid gland damaged by streptozotocin induced diabetes

This study investigated the injurious effects of Streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetes on histology of rat salivary gland along with amelioration of these effects by the antioxidant melatonin. This prospective experimental study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC, Karachi for a period of 6 weeks from November to December, 2012. 45 male albino rats were divided into 3 groups, containing 15 animals each. Group A was treated as control, group B and C received 37 mg/kg STZ Intraperitoneally [i/p] once at the start of experiment, whereas group C additionally received 10mg/100ml of melatonin [MEL] 3-days prior to STZ administration. After sacrificing the animals, the parotid glands were processed for histological examination and viewed under the light microscope. The histological findings demonstrated changes in the parotid gland morphology of group B animals, such as the presence of lipid vacuoles in the serous acini and degeneration of the acinar cells. There was a significant reduction in the severity of these changes in melatonin treated group C. Serum glucose was significantly increased in both group B and C as compared to control. Total serum cholesterol was significantly increased in group B as compared to group A and C. STZ altered the histology of parotid gland by lipid infiltration and degeneration of acini. Melatonin suppressed the progression of damage induced by STZ due to its antioxidant properties and also reduced total serum cholesterol levels, but it could not decrease STZ induced hyperglycemia

Alterations in mitochondria of kidney tubules by different doses of diclofenac sodium in rabbits

Diclofenac sodium, a Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory agent [NSAIDs], is being prescribed since many decades for the treatment of rheumatic diseases as well as for the relief of pain and fever. It is the inhibitor of enzyme cyclooxygenase. Unfortunately its use is often accompanied by gastro-intestinal renal and hepatic side effects. Renal dysfunction is characterized from acute renal failure to chronic injury. We herein report the damaging effect of diclofenac sodium on the ultrastructure of PCT of rabbit kidney by increasing the doses above the recommended. Experimental Study. This study was conducted at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences [IBMS], Dow University of Health Sciences from March 2009 to March 2010. In this study 88 male albino rats were selected, they were divided into 4 groups group A received normal saline 2 ml/kg, group B diclofenac sodium 2mg/kg body weight group C 4 mg/kg and group D 6 mg/kg for two weeks. At the end of experiment animals were sacrificed, dissected, kidneys were identified, fixed in 4% gluterldehyde than 1% osmium tetraoxide and passed through graded alcohols, infiltrated and embedded in resins. Semithin 3-4 microm sections were stained with toluidine, ultrathin 1microm with uranyle acetate. Tissue sections were observed under transmission electron microscope. Tissue changes were graded as 0, +, ++ and +++, no change, mild moderate and severe changes respectively. The results were then analyzed statistically. There were non-significant changes in the cell organelles of PCT in group A and B, while significant changes were observed in group C and highly significant in group D. Diclofenac sodium has damaging effect on the mitochondria of PCT cells far before the light microscopic changes. So its use should be restricted only in very painful conditions. Secondly in case of prolong treatment follow up with regular renal function test should be carried out

Immunohistochemical determination of effects of Withania Somnifera root extract on noise stress induced adenohypophysis in albino rats

To access the ameliorating role of Withania somnifera root extract on noise stress effected Adenohypophysis morphology in albino rats by immuno-histochemical method. Experimental and observational study. This study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical center Karachi from January 2008 to December 2011. 90 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups A, B, C each group was divided into 2 subgroups A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2 [24 hrs and 30 days] obtaining15 animals each. Group A served as control, group B were exposed to 100dBA noise for 24 hrs and 6hrs/day for 30 days as experimental design and group C was protected with Withania somnifera root extract along with noise stress. The animals were sacrificed at the end of experimental period of each subgroup and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of the plasma ACTH and plasma Corticosterone concentration. Pituitary gland was removed from each animal and prepared for microscopic examination by immunohistochemical method. Immunohistochemical study reveals that, the black brown pigments deposited more in group B2 animals and reduced in group C animals Adenohypophysis indicated by ACTH monoclonal antibody Clone-56. The ACTH level was highly significantly increased after 24hrs and 30 days. The Corticosterone level was highly significantly decreased after 24hrs and not as much decreased after 30 days. It was restored insignificantly in protected groups after 24hrs and 30 days. Withania somnifera root extract has preventive efficacy against noise stress, immunohistochemistry confirmed that, less extent of black brown pigment deposition was the amount of corticotropes

Histochemical and serological parameters of hepatic lithium toxicity ameliorated by L-arginine supplementation

The purpose of this study was to judge the ability of L-arginine to restore the carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism particularly in the liver against lithium carbonate induced hepatotoxicity. This study is randomized, interventional, prospective, morphometric and histochemical study. This study was conducted in the department of anatomy, BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. Animals were obtained from the animal house of BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. The duration of this study comprises of two, six and twelve weeks. Sixty albino adult rats 90 - 120 days of age weighing about 200 - 300 grams were used for this study. Animals were divided into four different groups each comprising 15 rats. Each major group was subdivided into three sub-groups 1, 2 and 3 on the basis of 02 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks duration of treatment respectively. 4 um thick sections of rat liver were stained with PAS haematoxylin, Gomori's calcium phosphate and oil red O. Serum analysis of ALT and ALP was done. Lithium treated group on PAS staining displayed depletion of glycogen content of hepatocytes. Gomori's calcium phosphate staining revealed diminution of the intracellular enzyme contents of hepatocytes especially alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and concomitant rise in serum hepatic enzymes like Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and ALP. Oil red O stained sections of the liver depicted microvesicular fatty infiltration in liver cells in lithium treated group B animals. This study revealed that the toxicity of lithium is manifested histochemically by disturbances of in the glycogen, lipid and enzyme metabolism in the liver simultaneously exhibiting the restoration of the same metabolism by L-arginine as a best adjuvant in the treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate

Amerliorating role of pomegranate on minocycline induced pigmentation in the epidermis of guinea pig

To investigate the ameliorating role of pomegranate on minocycline induced pigmentation in the epidermis of guinea pig. An experimental observational study. This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, BMSI, J PMC, Karachi. 30 adult guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups A B and C. In this study, A served as control, B was given Minocycline, while C was given Minocycline with Pomegranate for 8 weeks, after which their skin was processed for histological examination of morphology of melanocytes and pigmentation in Dopa Oxidase stained sections under light microscope. The melanin pigmentation deposition in Minocycline treated group B was distributed densely and extended till stratum corneum as compared to the control group A, while in the Pomegranate treated group C along with Minocycline, the melanin pigmentation was considerably reduced and was observed to be distributed sparsely extended till stratum basale. The morphology and number of melanocytes in both treated groups remain same as compared to control group A. Based on the present study it is concluded that pigmentation induced by Minocycline can be reduced and may be prevented by taking pomegranate simultaneously

histological study of bowman's glands in human olfactory mucosa

The histology of olfactory mucosa has been previously studied under light and electron microscope. There are marked geographical differences between Pakistan and other countries where most of the research on olfactory epithelium has been conducted. To study morphology and quantitative analysis of Bowman's glands in human olfactory mucosa in Pakistani population. An observational study. This research was done in the Anatomy Department, A M College, Rawalpindi. The duration of study was two years from January 2001 to December 2003. Enbloc specimens were obtained from 20 autopsy cases. After decalcification, they were processed, stained with haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and seen under light microscope. The olfactory mucosa was observed in the roof, medial and lateral walls of both nasal cavities. The type of glandular tissue and its morphology was observed. The olfactory epithelium was morphologically pseudostraified columnar with a characteristic lamina propria containing numerous olfactory nerve fascicles and Bowman's glands, observed in the roof, medial and lateral walls of both nasal cavities. The secretory acini were almost circular in cross section and measured 20 to 25 micro m in diameter. The secretory cells [7-10 micro m] were pyramidal in shape, with rounded darkly stained nuclei lying in the basal half of the cells. The ducts were seen leading from the glands onto epithelial surface. Mean number of serous acini when compared in the roof, medial and lateral walls of right and left nasal cavities was statistically insignificant. Olfactory mucosa was lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The secretory acini of Bowman's glands were almost circular in cross section and cells were pyramidal in shape. Mean number of serous acini when compared in the roof, medial and lateral walls of right and left nasal cavities was statistically insignificant